What's wrong with stock disc brakes?

I see a lot on here about not buying an entry-level bike with discs because disc brakes at that pricepoint suck. I have a trek 4300 that I bought last year. The brakes are shimano m465. They will stop on a dime no matter what conditions I'm in. If I get on them hard they lock the wheels and I skid but if I use them right they work great. Please tell me what better brakes will do differently.

The argument usually goes that many people will go with higher end v-brakes versus cheap disc brakes. It's an issue with reliability and maintenance. Cheap disc brakes often require constant modulation/adjustment. Also, they weigh more.

I agree with the other posters above, it usually comes down to weight, modulation, servicing/adjustability, and power for a certain amount of effort. But why don't you try some others to find out? If you try this at an LBS, just make sure they're broken in before you draw any conclusions.

I had a 4300, well still do actually but the disk brakes like your talking about worked well for awhile but then they just didn't work like I wanted or needed them too. I upgraded them to BB7's and yes there is a difference in how they work, the wieght and adjustment.

Disc Brakes

Well, I know I'm new here, but I just bought a bike with disc brakes, and originally I was going to get a cheaper cycle (Specialized Rockhopper Comp) because it had disc brakes and I knew I wanted those. However, not all disc brakes are created equal (as as stated above). Because of this, I bought the step up bike (Rockhopper Pro Disc) for $1,100 and it has hydraulic disc brakes. This makes for a very different feel when you brake! I've tried out both bikes, and I admit I didn't notice that much difference as far as breaking power when I was in the parking lot, but when out on the trail, the brakes make a big difference.

Hydraulic discs. Now those are magic!

Originally Posted by Ransom_BikeSome

...and it has hydraulic disc brakes. This makes for a very different feel ...

That's a big 10-4. Somebody told me that hydraulic discs aren't that much better than mechanical disc brakes. I don't know what mechs are like, but I just gently squeeze, (more like a pinch) on the hydraulics and I am completely stopped cold. I compare that to my old MTB with cantilever brakes, where I used to fly downhill with squealing pigs, and Hey, WTF!, Help!, I can't stop!, gain-way!, look out below!, then finally eat a tree.

I think any disc brake is better than a V-brake, even if it is made of licorice. I like V-brakes, and they are fine on the road, or gently rolling trails, but if you are a maniac, like me, and are riding the steep trails, and you really need to stop, on the way down a fire trail, or a steep drop-off, especially if it has been raining, discs are what you want.

Remember also that most people are not professional cyclists, (like probably 85% of the people on cyclist forums), and people will often tell them, "Oh, you have to have the best; get the _ _ _ _ _ _ _, everything else is just junk."

Well, I know I'm new here, but I just bought a bike with disc brakes, and originally I was going to get a cheaper cycle (Specialized Rockhopper Comp) because it had disc brakes and I knew I wanted those. However, not all disc brakes are created equal (as as stated above). Because of this, I bought the step up bike (Rockhopper Pro Disc) for $1,100 and it has hydraulic disc brakes. This makes for a very different feel when you brake! I've tried out both bikes, and I admit I didn't notice that much difference as far as breaking power when I was in the parking lot, but when out on the trail, the brakes make a big difference.

My bet is they weren't bedded yet. The pads need time to mate to the rotors in order for the stopping power to be "normal" and what you can expect on the trail. That's why you'll need to borrow someone else's bike or to try and bed the brakes while trying it out at the store.